St Nicolas Churchyard
Visiting the Churchyard
The churchyard is always open during daylight hours and you are very welcome to visit and walk around. We trust that you will find this a peaceful and hopeful place to visit and to remember those you have loved. If you would like some guidance concerning the location where loved ones have been buried, then we suggest you contact us at least a week in advance so we have time to check the parish records for you.
Caring for our Churchyard
To help preserve the quality of this beautiful place, the Churchyard Regulations 2022 made by the Chancellor of Guildford Diocese provide guidance on the procedure for burials and the interment of cremated remains within the churchyard, on the types of memorials and other items which may be introduced and the management of the churchyard. A full copy of the Churchyard Regulations is available to view at:
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The Guildford Diocesan website: www.cofeguildford.org.uk
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Or on request from the Parish Administrator: office@stnicolasbookham.org.uk
What can I place in the churchyard or at a graveside?
You are very welcome to plant bulbs or annuals on a grave, but nothing larger such as trees or shrubs as they can cause disturbance of the graves. If you wish to put a plant in a container, placing it under the surface on the grave will help it to look more natural. Please note that we do not permit artificial flowers and reserve the right to remove items which do not conform with the guidance. Please remove any rubbish and litter and either take it home with you or place it in the bin by the east exit.
Safety in the churchyard
We do our best to check on the safety of the old gravestones but cannot guarantee the stability of them all. Please do not allow children to play around or climb onto them as this could make them become more unstable. Dogs are welcome, but please always keep them on a lead. Please note that the churchyard is closed to unauthorised persons at dusk.